Cape motorist dies after suffering apparent medical issue

February 22, 2013

A Cape Coral man died Thursday afternoon after suffering an apparent medical problem in his vehicle, which uncontrolled struck a gas pump.

William Joseph Yetter, 57, of 1113 N.W. 14th St., was pronounced dead at Gulf Coast Hospital, where he was trauma-alerted following the incident.

According to police, a Ford Ranger truck was parked in a parking space at the 7-Eleven gas station, at 720 Chiquita Blvd. N. At 3:12 p.m., Yetter exited the convenience store, got into the truck and began to back up in reverse.

The truck continued to move in reverse, crashing into a metal support next to the gas station pump before coming to a stop. According to police, people who were nearby made contact with Yetter and began to do CPR on the man.

Yetter was removed from the truck and Cape police took over the CPR. A deputy with the Lee County Sheriff's Office arrived and used his department issued AED. Yetter was unresponsive as officers continued to conduct CPR.

According to police, Lee County EMS and Cape firefighters took Yetter, who showed possible signs of life. He was taken to the hospital via ambulance.

He was pronounced dead at Gulf Coast Hospital at 4:37 p.m.

An autopsy will be done in the coming days to confirm cause of death.

Police reported that the crash does not appear to be alcohol or drug related.